Malaysia, Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka and more fuel unprecedented growth in Indian tourism with eased visa barriers – Travel And Tour World

In recent years, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and other Southeast Asian nations have fueled unprecedented growth in Indian tourism by easing visa barriers. Simplified visa requirements, such as visa-free entry or streamlined application processes, have made these destinations more accessible to Indian travelers. As a result, these countries have seen a significant rise in the number of Indian visitors, eager to explore new cultural, natural, and adventure-driven experiences. The removal of these travel restrictions has opened up opportunities for both well-known and off-the-beaten-path locations, driving a surge in tourism from India to these regions.

Recent data from Agoda underscores the significant influence these policy changes are having on Indian travel behavior. A comparison of accommodation searches on Agoda between July and December 2024, for check-ins scheduled from January to May 2025, reveals a notable uptick in interest for countries that have eased their visa restrictions. Destinations like Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka are seeing marked increases in accommodation searches, suggesting a surge in demand among Indian travellers for these newly accessible destinations.

Malaysia, for instance, introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, resulting in a 47% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. Popular spots such as Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%), and the Highlands (+27%) have reported substantial growth, pointing to a heightened enthusiasm among Indian travellers for Malaysia’s rich cultural and natural attractions. The ease of access has undoubtedly contributed to this spike in interest, as more Indian tourists opt for this destination, encouraged by its relaxed visa policy.

In the Pacific, Palau—a lesser-known island paradise—also saw a 49% increase in interest after it announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. Although Palau has not traditionally been a top destination for Indian travellers, this change is bringing it into the spotlight, especially among those seeking off-the-beaten-path locales. The newly granted visa access is positioning Palau as an enticing option for Indian tourists eager to explore new and unique destinations.

The Philippines, renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, has also benefited from relaxed visa policies for Indian passport holders starting in June. Agoda’s data reflects a 26% year-on-year rise in accommodation searches for the Philippines, with key destinations like Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) showing the most substantial growth. With its alluring coastal beauty and new visa accessibility, the Philippines continues to draw Indian tourists, contributing to the rise in searches for accommodations and activities in the country.

Sri Lanka, which implemented visa-free access for Indian travellers in October, has similarly seen a 9% overall increase in travel interest. Increased searches for locations such as Mirissa (+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%) indicate that Indian tourists are looking beyond traditional hotspots like Colombo and Kandy, venturing to explore the island’s lesser-known gems. This shift in interest suggests that Sri Lanka’s relaxed visa policy is fueling a broader exploration of the country, appealing to Indian tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The growing trend of eased visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is making it increasingly attractive for Indian travellers to explore a wider variety of destinations. The decrease in barriers to entry is not only encouraging travel to established tourist hubs but also introducing Indian tourists to hidden treasures that may have previously been overlooked. This new era of accessibility is empowering Indian passport holders to broaden their horizons and embark on exciting new travel adventures.

Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and more have seen unprecedented growth in Indian tourism, driven by eased visa barriers that have made these destinations more accessible to Indian travelers. Simplified entry requirements have unlocked new opportunities, fueling this surge in tourism.

Agoda, with its expansive network of over five million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, continues to support Indian travellers in navigating the world’s most popular and emerging destinations. With these growing opportunities for travel, Indian tourists are primed to explore the globe in ways that were once unimaginable. As the world becomes more accessible, the possibilities for Indian travellers are limitless.